Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has commenced the long-awaited payment of pensions and gratuities to retired local government workers, UBEB teachers, and families of deceased staff, following the approval of over ₦10 billion by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
The exercise, which began on Monday, October 6, 2025, marks a major milestone in Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to restore dignity and justice to retirees who have waited decades for their entitlements.
4,000 Retirees to Benefit
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, the Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Local Government Staff Pension Board, Mr. Emeka Nwonu, said the payment covers pensions, gratuities, and death benefits for workers who retired from 1996 to date.
“In this exercise kicking off today, about 4,000 retirees of local government staff and UBEB teachers have been profiled for payment of their retirement benefits,” Nwonu stated.
He explained that the screening and payment would be conducted in phases, beginning with Abakaliki Local Government Area and concluding on November 28, 2025, with Onicha LGA.
Governor Nwifuru’s People-Centred Leadership
Nwonu recalled that upon his inauguration as Executive Secretary of the Pension Board in January 2025, Governor Nwifuru tasked him to “transform the Board into a model institution that upholds the welfare of senior citizens.”
He noted that the Governor had expressed deep concern over the plight of retirees who served the state meritoriously but were left unpaid for years.
“His Excellency ordered a comprehensive audit of the Board’s records to determine the outstanding liabilities and directed that retirees be paid immediately after verification,” he said.
According to Nwonu, the Governor’s directive reflects his administration’s guiding philosophy — The People’s Charter of Needs — which places the welfare of citizens at the centre of governance.
Committee Led by Mrs. Catherine Ogbu
The verification and payment process is being supervised by a committee chaired by the wife of the Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Catherine Ogbu. Nwonu commended her for conducting a transparent and credible exercise.
He also appreciated the local government chairmen, led by the State ALGON Chairman and Executive Chairman of Ebonyi LGA, Barr. Prince Chinedu Uburu, for their support, as well as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Uchenna Igwe, for his guidance.
“The staff and management of the Pension Board showed uncommon commitment and diligence to make this dream a reality,” he added.
Clearing Decades of Arrears
The current exercise follows Governor Nwifuru’s earlier clearance of pension and gratuity arrears owed to state-level retirees since 1996 — an intervention that cost several billions of naira and restored public confidence in government’s sincerity.
Observers say the new ₦10 billion approval further strengthens the Governor’s image as a “workers’ governor,” who prioritizes labour welfare despite the state’s modest federal allocation.
Recently, Governor Nwifuru also raised the minimum wage of Ebonyi workers to ₦90,000, surpassing the new national benchmark — a move Nwonu described as “an uncommon display of compassion and courage.”
Aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda
Nwonu said the Governor’s actions complement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to enhance citizens’ welfare and promote social justice.
“These compassionate steps completely align with the national vision. His Excellency has translated the Renewed Hope Agenda into a local reality,” he stated.
He added: “When the righteous is in authority, the people rejoice. Ebonyians are happy because they see in Governor Nwifuru a leader whose works speak louder than words.”
Looking Ahead
Concluding, Nwonu said the Governor’s performance has endeared him to the people, assuring that Ebonyians would reward him with another mandate in 2027.
“Truly, the reward for good work is more work,” he said. “The people of Ebonyi will surely give him the opportunity to do even more.”
